Newcastle Falcons second row Carlo del Fava has been forced to retire because of a long-standing neck injury.

Del Fava, 32, was capped 54-times by Italy and joined the Falcons in the summer of 2012. He made 12 appearances for the club this season before being sidelined by injury. He took the decision to quit following advice from medical experts that to enable him to continue to play he must undergo two major operations without any certainty of success.

"I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of my rugby career and I'm now looking forward to the challenges post rugby," del Fava said. "I'm very disappointed not to be involved with the club's Premiership campaign for the remainder of the season, and I would like to wish the team all the very best."

Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards said: "I'm bitterly disappointed for Carlo, who during his two seasons with us has been a fantastic character to have around the club both on and off the field. It was an extremely difficult decision for him to have to make, but it was the right one for him and we wish him all the very best for the future."